Wind farm to power 30,000 homes after planning consent granted

A WIND farm which is set to provide power for more than 30,000 homes in Scotland was approved today.

Planning consent was granted to develop the Galawhistle wind farm, between Muirkirk in East Ayrshire and Douglas in South Lanarkshire.

Up to 34 jobs will be created during construction of the 22-turbine farm which will generate enough electricity for 31,311 homes.

Only two objections were received from members of the public when developers Infinis Plc applied to the Scottish Government in March 2010.

Both South Lanarkshire and East Ayrshire councils supported the scheme which is expected to result in a £2.7 million investment in the local economy during its 25 years of operation.

Announcing the decision to approve the plant, energy minister Fergus Ewing said it represented a “significant boost” to the local economy.

He said: “Once it is up and running the wind farm will save thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, and will produce enough electricity to power more than 30,000 homes.

“I am confident that Galawhistle will provide great benefits to its local community and play an important part in helping Scotland reach its target of the equivalent of 100 per cent of electricity demand generated from renewables.

“In consenting this application I have put in place a series of conditions to protect the outstanding natural habitats and landscapes and local communities.”

Since May 2007 the Scottish Government has dealt with 57 renewable energy applications including 33 onshore wind farms, one offshore wind farm, 19 hydro power developments and four wave and tidal project. Only six have been rejected.